One-piece toy figure having changeable expressions

ABSTRACT

One or more toy figures are described herein, as is a method for making such toy figures. The toy figures preferably include a changeable facial image. The figures include injection molded, single-piece body portions, including a head having a sticker receiving area. The sticker receiving area is provided as a recessed portion of the body portion. A sticker is placed on the sticker receiving area. The sticker is provided as a sticker having a lenticular image, the sticker including an image having at least one first image and having at least one second image as part of the lenticular image. The sticker will show the first image if held in a first position (or first orientation or first angle), and the second image if held in a second position (or second orientation or second angle).

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/175,634, filed May 5, 2009, which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toy figures.

BACKGROUND

Children often like to play with toys that have some aspect that changes or moves. Toy figurines or figures are often provided having moving parts, such as moving arms and legs, or rotating heads. Such toy figures may be shaped like or resemble, for example, animals, robots, creatures, people, or characters. Having several moving parts makes construction and manufacturing more expensive and more difficult.

One-piece toys have some drawbacks. One draw-back is that the toy is completely static or motionless.

Even toy figures, such as action figures, that have moveable limbs are stuck with a single facial expression. Thus, a toy resembling, for example, a superhero character will have one unchanging expression. A child could easily grow bored with such a toy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a novel design that has a one-piece molded body portion, yet has a face portion with a changeable expression.

One or more toy figures or “figures” are described herein, as is a method for making such toy figures. The toy figures preferably include a changeable facial image, as described herein.

The figures include injection molded, single-piece body portions, including a head having a sticker receiving area. The sticker receiving area is provided as a recessed portion of the body portion. A sticker is placed on the sticker receiving area. The sticker is provided as a sticker having a lenticular image, the sticker including an image having at least one first image and having at least one second image as part of the lenticular image. The sticker will show the first image if held in a first position (or first orientation or first angle), and the second image if held in a second position (or second orientation or second angle).

In another embodiment, the figures include injection molded, single-piece body portions, including a head having a sticker receiving area. The sticker receiving area is provided as a recessed portion of the body portion. A sticker is placed on the sticker receiving area. The sticker is provided as a sticker having a holographic image, the sticker including an image having at least one first image and having at least one second image as part of the holographic image. The sticker will show the first image if held in a first position, and the second image if held in a second position.

The sticker receiving area is preferably located where the face portion of the body portion is located. The images of the sticker are preferably of a first facial expression and a second facial expression, thereby providing a toy figure having a changeable facial expression.

There is no limit to the number of different images or different facial expressions that a sticker may include, thereby imbuing a toy figure with many different images viewed from different angles, including, but not limited to, different facial expressions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of an illustrative character including a sticker according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration showing the toy figure held by a user shown in FIG. 1 positioned so that the toy figure shows a first facial expression.

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing the toy figure held by a user shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, positioned so that the toy figure shows a second facial expression.

FIG. 4 shows a group of toy figures according to embodiments of the present invention, each showing a first facial expression.

FIG. 5 shows the group of toy figures according to embodiments of the present invention shown in FIG. 4, each showing a second facial expression.

FIG. 6 shows one of the toy figures of FIG. 4 in closer detail showing a first facial expression

FIG. 7 shows the toy figures of FIG. 6 in closer detail showing a second facial expression.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a head portion of a toy figure according to the present invention, showing the recessed portion.

FIG. 9 shows the figure of FIG. 1, without a sticker placed in the recessed portion.

FIG. 10 shows a sticker according to the present invention showing a first image or first facial expression.

FIG. 11 shows the sticker of FIG. 10 showing a second image or second facial expression.

FIG. 12 shows a close up from the top of s sticker of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows an alternate embodiment of the figure of FIG. 1, which incorporates a slot for receiving the lenticular image.

FIG. 14 shows an alternate embodiment of the figure of FIG. 1, which incorporates a fixed lens and a slot for receiving the lenticular image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “toy figure” or “figure” means a small molded or sculptured toy figure, figurine or statuette.

As used herein, the term “user” means a person, including but not limited to a child, playing with or otherwise using a figure.

As used herein, the term “lenticular image” is an image that shows depth and/or motion and/or different images when viewed from different angles or when the image is moved in different orientations.

As shown in FIGS. 1-7 a toy FIG. 10 is provided. The toy FIG. 10 includes a body portion 12. The body portion 12 preferably includes feet or base portion 14, a middle portion 16, and a head portion 18. The base portion 14 provides a flat bottom so that the FIG. 10 can be free-standing.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a series of five different toy FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, and 10 e. The figures may resemble, by way of example and not by way of limitation, robots, aliens or science fiction-type characters (10 a, 10 b and 10 d), super hero type characters (10 c), and/or monster-type characters (10 e).

The body portion 10 is preferably constructed as a single piece of injection molded plastic. The body portion 10 may include molded details, including but not limited to: feet 20, arms 22, helmets 24, wheels 26, etc., as shown in the Figures.

The head portion 18 includes a recessed portion 28, shown in cross-section in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the recessed portion 28 forms a sticker receiving area 30.

A sticker 32 is provided. The sticker is preferably formed having a lenticular image 34. A lenticular image is the combination of two or more images viewed with a special lens to create a desired animated effect. Images are interlaced or combined and then placed under a specially designed lens. Such a lenticular image may be produced by overlaying specially printed graphics with a plastic lenticular sheet which is molded to form a series of lenses that coincide with the different parts of a changing graphic or image. Lenticular printing is a multi-step process consisting of creating a lenticular image from at least two existing images, and combining it with a lenticular lens. This process can be used to create various frames of animation (for a motion effect), offsetting the various layers at different increments (for a 3 d effect), or simply to show a set of alternate images which may appear to transform into each other. Once the various images are collected, they are flattened into individual, different frame files, and then digitally combined into a single final file in a process called interlacing. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other methods of forming a lenticular image, and this is but one example.

A lenticular image 34 for use with a toy FIG. 10 of the present invention preferably includes at least one first image 36 showing a first facial expression 38 of the character of the toy figure, and at least one second image 40 showing a second facial expression 44 of the character of the toy figure. For example, FIG. 10 shows a sticker 32 according to the present invention, with the sticker oriented so that a first facial expression 38 can be seen at the depicted angle by a user or another viewer. FIG. 11 shows the same sticker 32 in a different orientation, so that a user or viewer would see a second facial expression 42.

The sticker 32, as shown in FIG. 12, includes an image side 46 and an adhesive side 48. The sticker 32 is sized to match the dimensions of the sticker receiving area 30, as shown by FIG. 9. The sticker 32 is placed in the recessed portion 28 and affixed to the sticker receiving area 30 by means of the adhesive.

According to this embodiment, placing the sticker 32 on the sticker receiving area 30 provides the toy figure with different facial expressions that can be viewed by moving the toy from one orientation, such as shown in FIG. 2, and in another orientation, such as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, a user playing with the toy FIG. 10 of the present invention has a way to have the appearance of action or movement of the facial features of the toy FIG. 10 without having to have additional moving parts, or without having to change parts of the toy FIG. 10.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the toy FIG. 10 has contrasting facial expressions. Contrasting facial expression would show, for example, a first facial expression depicting a first emotion such as fear, and a second facial expression depicting a second contrary emotion such as excitement of triumph. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, a “superhero” character toy figure may begin with a first facial expression 38 depicting fear or terror. When a user is playing with this toy figure, the user may imagine that the superhero is in grave danger. When the superhero character is victorious, the user can orient the toy figure so that the second facial expression 42 shown in FIG. 7 can be seen.

Therefore, the toy figures of the present invention can show different or contrasting moods, and a user can play with the toy figures in a manner consistent with the different or contrasting moods. This increases the play value of toy figures according to the present invention.

Toy figures according to the present invention can be sold or offered as a group of various characters, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As can be seen from the Figures, a set of characters of varying design, for example, robots, aliens, monsters, etc., have a first facial expression 38 as shown by the respective stickers 32 in a first orientation, and a second facial expression 42 as shown by the stickers 32 in a second orientation. In addition, a sticker or set of stickers can be offered so that a user can select which stickers are affixed to which toy figures, allowing for user-selectable facial expressions and personalities.

As shown in FIG. 13, the toy FIG. 10, includes a slot 50 for receiving the lenticular image 52. The lenticular image 52 is not configured as a sticker adhered to the figure, rather it is kept in the toy FIG. 10 by grooves in the receiving area that are sized to substantially correspond to the size of the lenticular image 52 inserted into the slot 50 of the toy FIG. 10. This provides for quicker exchange of the images 52 as well as reduces manufacturing costs of the images since the images do not require adhesive or release backing layers.

In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the toy FIG. 10 includes a slot 50, as in FIG. 13, as well as a fixed lenticular lens 54. This allows for a greater variety of lenticular images 52′ to be used, e.g. images 52′ can be included in packaging, as trading cards, as promotional items or users can design their own images 52′ on a personal computer or download them from a computer network, print them using a standard printer. Further, the fixed lens 54 also provides greater depth when used with lenticular images having integral lenses.

The addition of a fixed lenticular lens 54 allows the toy figurine 10 to be used in role playing games as a decoder for game pieces that are not readily readable by the naked eye. During game play a player inserts a game piece 52′ into the slot 50 to receive instructions which are displayed through the lens 54. Similarly, the game piece can also be configured for use in sweepstakes, puzzles or board games.

It is appreciated that more than two images may be included as part of the lenticular images depicted on the stickers. A sticker can hold numerous lenticular images to show many different expressions at different orientations and angles.

In addition, the stickers can be formed so as to be removable and replaceable. This, sticker kits can be offered with stickers having lenticular images depicting new and different facial expressions or images. Thus, a set of toy figures of the present invention can produce many options for play.

The recessed portion 28 that holds the stickers is preferably dimensioned so that the stickers cannot accidentally be removed during play. The stickers preferably have a depth that is less than or equal to the depth of the recessed portion 28.

A sticker may include a holographic image or hologram that shows different images from different angles. A lenticular hologram may also be used. A lenticular hologram is a specialized printing technology offering various effects like morphing, 3D, or zooming. Lenticular holograms can show depth, HD video, motion, film or combinations of these.

A toy figure of the present invention is formed by injection molding the body portion using a mold. The body portion is molded forming the recessed portion as a sticker receiving area. A sticker is then applied and affixed to the sticker receiving area.

A toy figure of the present invention can include images showing facial expression, motion, depth, or any other visual image.

It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the apparatus shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

1. A toy figure comprising: a body portion, the body portion including a base portion, a middle portion, and a head portion; the head portion including a recessed portion sized and dimensioned to form a sticker receiving portion; a sticker positioned in the recessed portion including a lenticular image, the lenticular image including at least one first image, and at least one second image, the first image being different from the second image.
 2. The toy figure of claim 1, wherein the sticker is configured to form at least a portion of the face of the toy figure, and wherein the first image depicts a first facial expression and the second image depicts a second facial expression different from the first facial expression.
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. A toy figure comprising: a one-piece molded body portion having no moving parts; a face portion including a picture, the picture having at least two images, the images viewable from different viewing angles.
 6. The toy figure of claim 5, wherein the picture is provided as a sticker including a lenticular picture.
 7. The toy figure of claim 5, wherein the picture is provided as a sticker including a holographic image.
 8. The toy figure of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes a base portion, a middle portion, and a head portion.
 9. The toy figure of claim 1, wherein the body portion or head portion includes a recessed portion sized and dimensioned to form a sticker receiving portion.
 10. The toy figure of claim 1, further including a sticker positioned on the body portion including a lenticular image, the lenticular image including at least one first image, and at least one second image, the first image being different from the second image.
 11. The toy figure of claim 1, wherein the sticker is positioned in a recessed portion of the body.
 12. The toy figure of claim 1, wherein each sticker is configured to form at least a portion of the face of a toy figure, and wherein the first image depicts a first facial expression and the second image depicts a second facial expression different from the first facial expression.
 13. The toy figure of claim 1, wherein the toy figure includes a holographic sticker showing one of a plurality of different facial expressions, images showing movement and images showing 3D.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A toy figure comprising: a body portion, the body portion including a base portion, a middle portion, and a head portion; the head portion including a slot leading to a recessed portion sized and dimensioned to form a lenticular image receiving portion, the head portion also includes a fixed lens arranged in front of the recessed portion, the lenticular image including at least one first image, and at least one second image, the first image being different from the second image.
 17. The toy figure of claim 16, wherein the lenticular image will show the at least one first image if held in a first position, and the at least one second image if held in a second position.
 18. The toy figure of claim 16, wherein the lenticular image will show the at least one first image if held in at a first angle, and the at least one second image if held in at a second angle.
 19. The toy figure of claim 16, wherein the lenticular image is a coded game piece.
 20. The toy figurine of claim 17, wherein during game play, a player inserts the coded game piece into the slot to read instructions from the coded game piece, which are displayed through the lens.
 21. The toy figure of claim 19, wherein the game piece is used in one of: role-playing games, sweepstakes, puzzles or board games.
 22. The toy figure of claim 16, wherein the lenticular images is included in product packaging, as trading cards, as promotional items.
 23. The toy figure of claim 16, wherein the lenticular image is designed by a user using their own images on a personal computer or is downloaded from a computer network and printed by the user. 